How do I implement loop unrolling in my code?

How do I implement loop unrolling in my code?

Loop unrolling is an optimization technique that reduces the overhead of loop control. Would you like a code example?

Yes, please provide a simple example in C.

Sure! Here's a basic example:

for (int i = 0; i < n; i += 4) {
    // Process four elements at a time
    process(array[i]);
    process(array[i + 1]);
    process(array[i + 2]);
    process(array[i + 3]);
}

This reduces the number of iterations and can improve performance.

What are the benefits of loop unrolling?

The main benefits include reduced loop overhead, improved cache performance, and better instruction-level parallelism.

Are there any downsides to using loop unrolling?

Yes, it can increase code size and may lead to diminishing returns if overused. It's important to balance optimization with maintainability.